Two accused of snatching peacocks
| Friday, Apr 10 2009 09:03 PM
Last Updated Friday, Apr 10 2009 09:31 PM
NBC watch out. Somebody is allegedly stealing peacocks.
The Rural Crime Unit of the Kern County Sheriff's Department reported that six peacocks were stolen on March 26 from property at 21600 Adobe Road near Lamont.
The value of the loss was put at $420, or $70 a piece. It's not a very common crime, Sgt. Richard Wood said.
The colorful birds were loaded into a vehicle and taken to a home on Oswell Street, deputies reported.
By the time deputies arrived, two of the six had been sold. The other four were recovered.
Maria Ramos Pacheco, 44, who claimed the birds were hers to begin with, has been charged with felony grand theft, court records said.
Also arrested was Nolberto Quintero, 21, who his charged with misdemeanor theft. Both have arraignments set for next week.
The male bird is known for its brilliant tail feathers and bright spots known as "eyes." Males show off the feathers to get attention of females, called peahens. They can be pretty loud when they get in the mood.
Peacocks need lots of room to roam and spread their wings to a span of about six feet.
NBC began using the peacock as its logo in 1956 to illustrate richness in color.
